Country Road Group employees brace for job cuts ahead of restructure

Widespread job cuts throughout a major retailer could be imminent as the company prepares to undergo a restructure.

Country Road Group employees are reportedly preparing themselves for widespread job cuts ahead of a company-wide restructure.

The group has hired Sydney-based consultancy company Bendelta to help to repair its corporate culture amid allegations staff complaints of sexual harassment, racism and bullying were mishandled by management.

Bendelta consultants have already begun meeting with the group’s employees, who fear a major restructure could lead to significant job losses, The Australian says.

A possible restructure within Country Road Group has sparked fears there could be widespread job cuts. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Country Road Group’s brands include Country Road, Trenery, Mimco, Witchery and Politix. They are owned by South African Woolworths Holdings Limited.

Following the embattled retailer’s 5 per cent drop in sales in the first half of the 2024 financial year, Woolworths Holdings chief executive Roy Bagattini visited the Melbourne headquarters this month to lift morale and ease tension among staff.

His visit comes after Country Road boss Elle Roseby left the company last week.

She was well respected and reportedly seen as a “defender” of employers who felt their complaints were falling on deaf ears.

Mr Bagattini flew to Australia earlier this year to announce an external investigation into allegations of sexual harassment within the workplace.

Two senior executives have since resigned from the company.

Country Road Group has been contacted for comment.